Driving Cost from Bismarck, North Dakota to Iowa City, Iowa

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The Cost of Traveling from Bismarck, North Dakota to Iowa City, Iowa in 2021

If you are planning a road trip from Bismarck, North Dakota to Iowa City, Iowa, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The total cost of the trip will depend on various factors, including the route you choose, your mode of transportation, and the accommodation and food expenses along the way. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cost of traveling between Bismarck and Iowa City based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are several different routes you can take when traveling from Bismarck, North Dakota, to Iowa City, Iowa. Here are some of the most common options:

Route 1: The Fastest Option

The fastest route from Bismarck to Iowa City runs through South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. This route covers approximately 690 miles and can be completed in about 11 hours and 15 minutes of non-stop driving, assuming you drive within the speed limits and stop only for gas refills. Here is a breakdown of the route and estimated gas cost at the current gas price of $3.30 per gallon:

  • Bismarck, ND to Sioux Falls, SD (371 miles) - $69.16
  • Sioux Falls, SD to Rochester, MN (145 miles) - $27.04
  • Rochester, MN to Iowa City, IA (174 miles) - $32.34

The estimated gas cost for the entire trip is around $128.54, assuming you have a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

Route 2: The Scenic Option

If you have more time, you may consider taking a scenic route from Bismarck to Iowa City that passes through North Dakota and Minnesota. This route covers approximately 740 miles and can be completed in about 12 hours and 30 minutes of non-stop driving. Here is a breakdown of the route and estimated gas cost at the current gas price of $3.30 per gallon:

  • Bismarck, ND to Fargo, ND (198 miles) - $36.74
  • Fargo, ND to Detroit Lakes, MN (57 miles) - $10.56
  • Detroit Lakes, MN to Alexandria, MN (78 miles) - $14.46
  • Alexandria, MN to Saint Cloud, MN (74 miles) - $13.68
  • Saint Cloud, MN to Elk River, MN (38 miles) - $6.99
  • Elk River, MN to Albert Lea, MN (108 miles) - $19.98
  • Albert Lea, MN to Iowa City, IA (187 miles) - $34.71

The estimated gas cost for the whole trip is around $136.12, again assuming you have a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

Route 3: The Budget Option

If you are traveling on a tight budget, you may prefer a route that avoids toll roads and minimizes the distance traveled. This route covers approximately 710 miles and can be completed in about 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving assuming you follow speed limits and stop for gas refills only. Here is a breakdown of the route and estimated gas costs at the current gas price of $3.30 per gallon:

  • Bismarck, ND to Medora, ND (131 miles) - $24.27
  • Medora, ND to Dickinson, ND (27 miles) - $4.99
  • Dickinson, ND to New Salem, ND (145 miles) - $26.83
  • New Salem, ND to Bismarck, ND (44 miles) - $8.14
  • Bismarck, ND to Jamestown, ND (99 miles) - $18.32
  • Jamestown, ND to Fargo, ND (94 miles) - $17.36
  • Fargo, ND to Moorhead, MN (3 miles) - $0.55
  • Moorhead, MN to Alexandria, MN (84 miles) - $15.54
  • Alexandria, MN to Hutchinson, MN (103 miles) - $19.06
  • Hutchinson, MN to Saint Peter, MN (79 miles) - $14.64
  • Saint Peter, MN to Mankato, MN (19 miles) - $3.52
  • Mankato, MN to Albert Lea, MN (47 miles) - $8.68
  • Albert Lea, MN to Iowa City, IA (199 miles) - $36.87

The estimated gas cost for the entire trip is around $199.11, assuming you have a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

The Best Route

While each of the above routes has its advantages and disadvantages, Route 1 seems to be the most convenient and fastest option for most travelers. It avoids congested cities and toll roads, and most of the journey takes place on highways with high speed limits.

Other Expenses

In addition to gas costs, there will be other expenses associated with your road trip. Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses, especially if you plan to spend multiple nights on the road. Hotel rates can vary significantly depending on the location and season, but you should expect to spend at least $100 per night on a decent hotel room.

Food expenses are another significant cost associated with road trips. The cost of meals will vary depending on your preferences and the restaurants you choose. Fast food restaurants and diners tend to be cheaper than fine dining restaurants, but the quality of food can also vary.

In Conclusion

Traveling from Bismarck, North Dakota to Iowa City, Iowa can be a fun and exciting road trip with many scenic routes to choose from. The total cost of the trip will depend on the route you choose, the mode of transportation, and other expenses such as accommodation and food. Based on the current gas prices, Route 1 appears to be the most convenient and cost-effective option. The entire trip will take approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes of non-stop driving, assuming you drive within speed limits and stop only for gas refills. Traveling through sceneries and enjoying the adventure of the road trip will make it one of your most unforgettable journeys.